POSTED: 06/04/2024
Author: Dr. Jae Yoon Lee (Chiropractor)
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on what to expect during your first chiropractic session. Whether you're seeking relief from back pain, aiming to improve your posture, or curious about chiropractic care, this article takes you through everything you need to know.
What are the benefits of chiropractic care?
Chiropractic care may offer a variety of benefits for individuals experiencing musculoskeletal issues. Here's are some of the most common benefits
Pain relief
Chiropractic care is effective in managing acute and chronic back pain, neck pain, and pain in the extremities. Adjustments and manipulations help alleviate discomfort and improve function.
Here is a list of the commonly helped musculoskeletal conditions chiropractic may help with.
Improved mobility
Treatments can enhance joint mobility and flexibility, making daily activities and movements easier.
Posture correction
Regular chiropractic sessions can help correct poor posture, especially if it's related to prolonged sitting or specific occupational hazards.
Headache relief
For individuals experiencing migraine headaches, chiropractic treatments may provide relief by addressing the musculoskeletal factors contributing to the headaches.
Management of joint pain
By improving joint mobility and reducing inflammation, chiropractic care can help manage the symptoms associated with osteoarthritis.
Non-invasive and drug-free
Chiropractic care provides a non-invasive and drug-free alternative to traditional medical treatments, focusing on natural healing methods.
As a new patient, what should you expect on your first visit?
During your first chiropractic session, you can expect to receive a good overview of what chiropractic care is and how it may benefit you. Your chiropractor will aim to understand your symptoms and can discuss whether they can help you or not.
Why not check out your local chiropractic clinic and see how they may help you?
Let’s discuss what you should expect on your first visit.
Initial consultation and health history
Your chiropractor will want to know about your health history and your musculoskeletal symptoms. By understanding your current symptoms and any previous health concerns, your chiropractor will be better placed to recommend appropriate treatment.
Chiropractic examination
After discussing your health history, the chiropractor will perform a chiropractic examination. This examination may include various assessments, such as checking your posture, spinal alignment, and mobility. They might also conduct specific orthopaedic and neurological tests to understand your condition better. These tests help in identifying areas of restricted movement or other problematic areas.
X-ray imaging
Depending on your situation, the chiropractor might recommend X-rays or MRI scans. These are not always necessary but can be helpful in diagnosing issues that might influence your treatment plan, such as fractures or severe degenerative changes.
Treatment plan
Based on your report of findings, the chiropractor should recommend a personalised treatment plan. This may outline the goals of your treatment, areas to be targeted and how long it may take to see results. Treatment goals may include pain relief, improved movement and flexibility, and better performance and biomechanics.
Your chiropractic adjustment
If you're receiving treatment during your first visit, it may include a chiropractic adjustment. This is a ‘hands-on’ technique where the chiropractor applies controlled force to problematic or out of alignment joints or other parts of the body.
Additional therapies or ‘home work’
In addition to adjustments, your chiropractor might use other treatment modalities, such as massage, heat/cold therapy, or stretches and exercises. Additionally, you may be advised to perform exercises, stretches or other rehab related activities at home to help you achieve better outcomes from the treatment.
Lifestyle and ergonomic advice
Chiropractors often provide advice on posture, ergonomics, and lifestyle changes to help manage your condition and prevent future issues. This advice complements your care while assisting in changing any bad posture habits.
Key takeaways
In this article, we covered:
- The main benefits of chiropractic care and the different ways chiropractors may help you.
- What to expect on your new patient first visit, including your first chiropractic session, detailed health history discussion and physical examination.
- Your personalised treatment plan that may include adjustments, complementary therapies, and diagnostic studies.
All information is general and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.
Author: Dr. Jae Yoon Lee (Chiropractor) is a local chiropractor based in Ormeau, Queensland. Jae offers you 10+ years of experience, is a Gonstead Chiropractor and is a member of the Australian Chiropractors Association and the Gonstead Chiropractic Society Australia. He proudly services Brisbane, the Gold Coast and surrounds.
